Thursday, 03 May 2012

Liverpool: Farewell Kuyt - Here are your best bits

If the reports in the media turn out to be true then it appears that striker Dirk Kuyt has only three games left in a Liverpool shirt. The Dutchman arrived at Anfield six years ago in a blaze of glory, but despite his tireless commitment to the Reds' cause, endearing him to the Liverpool fans, his record in front of goal failed to live up to expectations. However he has given Liverpool fans memories that will live for a long, long time.

Kuyt joined Liverpool in 2006 for a fee of £10 million from Feyenoord. He was a prolific goalscorer in his homeland, bagging 83 goals in 122 appearances for the Rotterdam club. Kuyt was viewed as the next Anfield goalscoring machine, but his Liverpool ratio was never in the Robbie Fowler league. However, Kuyt has weighed in with fair share, scoring more than 70 goals for the Merseysders.

Here Steve Coulter looks back at some of his best moments in a Liverpool shirt.

First Liverpool goal v Newcastle United

It took the striker just five games to open his Liverpool account. This effort helped seal victory over Newcastle United.

Champions League joy v Chelsea

Kuyt played a pivotal role in Liverpool reaching the 2007 Champions League Final. He was the hero when the Reds edged past Chelsea in a classic semi-final. The two teams could not be separated after two legs. It was Kuyt's successful spot kick which decided the resulting penalty shoot out.

Making friends by scoring against the enemy v Manchester United

Aside from his wholehearted attitude, Kuyt has other attributes. He has a handy knack of scoring goals against Liverpool's bitter foes Manchester United. Kuyt couldn't have chosen a better way to win over Liverpool fans. He scored a hat-trick in last season's league victory over United. Arguably the easiest three goals he has ever scored.

Fergie's boys suffered further punishment in this season's FA Cup encounter. A

late Kuyt winner setting Liverpool on the road to Wembley.

Winning silverware v Cardiff City

Despite these marvellous moments there was one glaring admission from the striker's CV . . . he had still failed to win silverware with the Reds. This was rectified in February's Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff City. With the score tied at 1-1, Kenny Dalglish decided to throw on the former Utrecht starlet. He made an instant impression when a snap shot put the favourites ahead.

Kuyt was again successful from the spot as Liverpool won another penalty shoot out. At last Kuyt had a winner's medal to reward his efforts.

Great technique v West Ham United

As you would expect from a Dutchman, Kuyt knew how to strike a ball and this glorious goal against West Ham at Upton Park is arguably one of his best ever strikes.

Kenny Dalglish may have to call on Kuyt again this weekend as the Reds play Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Who would bet against the popular star signing off from Anfield with another winner's medal? A cup double would be a fitting Anfield swansong for the marksman.

Calling all Liverpool fans. What will be your lasting memory of Dirk Kuyt in a Liverpool shirt? Will you be sad to see him go or do you believe it is time for Dalglish to bring in some new faces? Whatever your view we'd love to hear from you.

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Liverpool: Farewell Kuyt - Here are your best bits

If the reports in the media turn out to be true then it appears that striker Dirk Kuyt has only three games left in a Liverpool shirt. The Dutchman arrived at Anfield six years ago in a blaze of glory, but despite his tireless commitment to the Reds' cause, endearing him to the Liverpool fans, his record in front of goal failed to live up to expectations. However he has given Liverpool fans memories that will live for a long, long time.

Kuyt joined Liverpool in 2006 for a fee of £10 million from Feyenoord. He was a prolific goalscorer in his homeland, bagging 83 goals in 122 appearances for the Rotterdam club. Kuyt was viewed as the next Anfield goalscoring machine, but his Liverpool ratio was never in the Robbie Fowler league. However, Kuyt has weighed in with fair share, scoring more than 70 goals for the Merseysders.

Here Steve Coulter looks back at some of his best moments in a Liverpool shirt.

First Liverpool goal v Newcastle United

It took the striker just five games to open his Liverpool account. This effort helped seal victory over Newcastle United.

Champions League joy v Chelsea

Kuyt played a pivotal role in Liverpool reaching the 2007 Champions League Final. He was the hero when the Reds edged past Chelsea in a classic semi-final. The two teams could not be separated after two legs. It was Kuyt's successful spot kick which decided the resulting penalty shoot out.

Making friends by scoring against the enemy v Manchester United

Aside from his wholehearted attitude, Kuyt has other attributes. He has a handy knack of scoring goals against Liverpool's bitter foes Manchester United. Kuyt couldn't have chosen a better way to win over Liverpool fans. He scored a hat-trick in last season's league victory over United. Arguably the easiest three goals he has ever scored.

Fergie's boys suffered further punishment in this season's FA Cup encounter. A

late Kuyt winner setting Liverpool on the road to Wembley.

Winning silverware v Cardiff City

Despite these marvellous moments there was one glaring admission from the striker's CV . . . he had still failed to win silverware with the Reds. This was rectified in February's Carling Cup triumph over Cardiff City. With the score tied at 1-1, Kenny Dalglish decided to throw on the former Utrecht starlet. He made an instant impression when a snap shot put the favourites ahead.

Kuyt was again successful from the spot as Liverpool won another penalty shoot out. At last Kuyt had a winner's medal to reward his efforts.

Great technique v West Ham United

As you would expect from a Dutchman, Kuyt knew how to strike a ball and this glorious goal against West Ham at Upton Park is arguably one of his best ever strikes.

Kenny Dalglish may have to call on Kuyt again this weekend as the Reds play Chelsea in the FA Cup final. Who would bet against the popular star signing off from Anfield with another winner's medal? A cup double would be a fitting Anfield swansong for the marksman.

Calling all Liverpool fans. What will be your lasting memory of Dirk Kuyt in a Liverpool shirt? Will you be sad to see him go or do you believe it is time for Dalglish to bring in some new faces? Whatever your view we'd love to hear from you.